Fair Value: In calculating fair value, I consider the NPV MMA Differential Fair Value along with these four calculations of fair value (see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description):

1. Avg. High Yield Price

2. 20-Year DCF Price

3. Avg. P/E Price

4. Graham Number

DRI is trading at a premium to all four valuations above. The stock is trading at a 7.3% discount to its calculated fair value of $55.38. DRI earned a Star in this section since it is trading at a fair value.

Dividend Analytical Data: In this section there are three possible Stars and three key metrics (see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description):

1. Free Cash Flow Payout

2. Debt to Total Capital

3. Key Metrics

4. Dividend Growth Rate

5. Years of Dividend Growth

6. Rolling Four-Year Dividend > 15%

DRI earned one Star in this section for 3.) above. DRI earned a Star for having an acceptable score in at least two of the four Key Metrics measured. Rolling four year divided greater than 15% means that dividends grew on average in excess of 15% for each consecutive four-year period over the last 10 years (2004-2007, 2005-2008, 2006-2009, etc.) I consider this a key metric since dividends will double every five years if they grow by 15%. The company has paid a cash dividend to shareholders every year since 1995 and has increased its dividend payments for nine consecutive years.

Dividend Income vs. MMA: Why would you assume the equity risk and invest in a dividend stock if you could earn a better return in a much less risky money market account (MMA) or Treasury bond? This section compares the earning ability of this stock with a high yield MMA. Two items are considered in this section (see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description):

1. NPV MMA Diff.

2. Years to > MMA

DRI earned a Star in this section for its NPV MMA Diff. of the $23,982. This amount is in excess of the $2,600 target I look for in a stock that has increased dividends as long as DRI has. The stock's current yield of 4.29% exceeds the 3.22% estimated 20-year average MMA rate.

Memberships and Peers: DRI is a member of the S&P 500. The company’s peer group includes: Brinker International Inc. (NYSE:EAT) with a 1.9% yield, The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated (NASDAQ:CAKE) with a 1.1% yield, and Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. (NASDAQ:CBRL) with a 3.0% yield.

Conclusion: DRI earned one Star in the Fair Value section, earned one Star in the Dividend Analytical Data section and earned one Star in the Dividend Income vs. MMA section for a total of three Stars. This quantitatively ranks DRI as a 3-Star Hold stock.

Using my D4L-PreScreen.xls model, I determined the share price would need to increase to $112.70 before DRI's NPV MMA Differential decreased to the $2,600 minimum that I look for in a stock with nine years of consecutive dividend increases. At that price the stock would yield 2.0%.

Resetting the D4L-PreScreen.xls model and solving for the dividend growth rate needed to generate the target $2,600 NPV MMA Differential, the calculated rate is 7.8%. This dividend growth rate is lower than the 15.0% used in this analysis, thus providing a margin of safety. DRI has a risk rating of 1.75 which classifies it as a Low risk stock.

DRI is the largest company in the fragmented $75 billion domestic casual dining industry. Its Red Lobster and Olive Garden concepts have among the strongest brand name recognition in the industry. The company has recognized industry-leading operating margins over the past several years while generating enough free cash to fund growth and increased dividends. However, same-store sales have been weak and underperformed peers. Although DRI is trading below my calculated fair value price of $55.38, I will remain on the sidelines due to its high free cash flow payout (110%) and its high debt to total capital (59%).

Disclaimer: Material presented here is for informational purposes only. The above quantitative stock analysis, including the Star rating, is mechanically calculated and is based on historical information. The analysis assumes the stock will perform in the future as it has in the past. This is generally never true. Before buying or selling any stock you should do your own research and reach your own conclusion. See my Disclaimer for more information.

Full Disclosure: At the time of this writing, I held no position in DRI (0.0% of my Dividend Growth Portfolio). See a list of all my dividend growth holdings here.

Disclaimers: GuruFocus.com is not operated by a broker, a dealer, or a registered investment adviser. Under no circumstances does any information posted on GuruFocus.com represent a recommendation to buy or sell a security. The information on this site, and in its related newsletters, is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, investment advice or recommendations. The gurus may buy and sell securities before and after any particular article and report and information herein is published, with respect to the securities discussed in any article and report posted herein. In no event shall GuruFocus.com be liable to any member, guest or third party for any damages of any kind arising out of the use of any content or other material published or available on GuruFocus.com, or relating to the use of, or inability to use, GuruFocus.com or any content, including, without limitation, any investment losses, lost profits, lost opportunity, special, incidental, indirect, consequential or punitive damages. Past performance is a poor indicator of future performance. The information on this site, and in its related newsletters, is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, investment advice or recommendations. The information on this site is in no way guaranteed for completeness, accuracy or in any other way. The gurus listed in this website are not affiliated with GuruFocus.com, LLC.
Stock quotes provided by InterActive Data. Fundamental company data provided by Morningstar, updated daily.